In any region of Ukraine where Roma reside, there is no shortage of problems in their lives. Many of these problems also affect the Roma population of Zakarpattia. It was precisely to address these issues and challenges that the International Foundation “Chirikli” introduced the Institute of Roma Health and Social Mediators nearly five years ago in Ukraine. We continue to share stories from these mediators. Today, our interlocutor is Aladar Pap from Uzhhorod.
According to him, one of the main problems faced by the community where he works is the issue of Roma women’s access to medical services. This is particularly relevant when it comes to pregnancy and childbirth. The prevalence of corruption in the healthcare sector in this region and discriminatory treatment towards Roma lead to almost tragic consequences: when a woman goes to a maternity hospital, they primarily expect payment for services, rather than promptly providing those services.
Aladar Pap believes that this problem needs to be addressed comprehensively at various levels of authority, not just locally. Collaboration between health and social mediators, Roma community organizations (both local and national), and representatives of state institutions is necessary.
As for the work of the mediators, Aladar Pap has his own perspective, which seems quite reasonable to us. He particularly believes that this challenging work is not suited for young people. Knocking on various doors, often in the corridors of power, raising pressing issues for Roma, persistently seeking ways to resolve them should be carried out by individuals of middle age who possess life experience, wisdom, courage, and determination. People who won’t deviate from their path, as behind them stands the Roma community, whose living conditions in Zakarpattia are often far from what can be considered basic human conditions.
Therefore, Aladar Pap exudes tranquility and confidence. He knows that no matter how long and challenging the road ahead may be, only those who move toward their goal step by step, every day, can overcome it. All that remains is for us to wish success to this mediator and his beneficiaries!
P.S. The project “Expanding Opportunities for Roma Health and Social Mediators in Ukraine” is implemented with the support of the “Roma Health” program by the International Renaissance Foundation and the “Roma Program Initiative” of the International Renaissance Foundation. For more details about the activities of Roma mediators, read on the website http://www.chirikli.com.ua/index.php/ua/biblioteka/item/43-romski-medychni-poserednyky-v-ukraini-dosiahnennia-vyklyky-mozhlyvosti as well as on the website of the Legal Space http://legalspace.org/index.php/ua/romski-poseredniki-u-sferi-okhoroni-zdorov-ya
